A Walk through the Museum of the Bible with Scott Redd

In November 2017, the Museum of the Bible opened its doors in Washington, D.C. With more than 430,000 square feet and eight floors, the stunning structure has the stated purpose to “invite all people to engage with the Bible.”

I asked Scott Redd, president of Reformed Theological Seminary Washington, D.C., to walk through the museum with me on a search for what is there that might be helpful to Bible teachers. In our short time, we only scratched the surface, spending all of our time on the third floor: the “Narrative of the Bible” gallery. The story of the Old Testament is presented in a 30-minute experience punctuated by videos. The story of the New Testament is told in a 12-minute video.

Whenever and whomever presents the Bible’s story in this brief way has to make choices about what is included and what is left out, what is emphasized and what is diminished. We found some of those choices interesting and believe that Bible teachers could refine their own ability to present the story and thrust of the Bible’s story by observing, experiencing, and thoughtfully critiquing how it is done at the Museum of the Bible.